Whispers Of Rest

One Word For 2011: What Builds Your Confidence? (Soul Resolutions)

*New Faith Barista Series* Today, I'm kicking off the new year with a special series for January: Soul Resolutions.
Share your One Word For 2011 at the end of today's post! Let's start the journey together and see where faith leads.

When you make new year resolutions, do you think of who you are becoming more than what you want to be doing?

Resourceful.

Resilient.

Independent Thinker.

Self-reliant.

You’d think these words were used to describe a company’s ideal employee.

These are the buzz words used to describe a child. Not only would you want these keywords dotting your resume, they are traits that best-selling parenting books say you must program into your children, in order to live productive lives.

Only question is — do having these traits make you a more confident person?

In my case, the answer is no.

Detours and Roadblocks

When I took time out for some whitespace after Christmas, I enjoyed a wonderful time of counting my blessings in the last decade.

I’m still trying to find more whitespace (I love that term). Thanks for the reminder that we’re not only in a new year but a new decade. That makes it sound even more important to make change now! I love my resolutions for this year of Depend and Delight, so today’s chance to pick one word (I chose “pleasure”) has been a great exercise for me. It fits right in with “joy” and “rest” that you mention.

Thanks, Bonnie, for starting off this new decade hosting for us!
“Together, we can walk into the doing, as we grow into our becoming.” Amen!
.-= Lisa notes…´s last blog ..A habit with an appetite- please =-.

My word is “Patience”. The Lord started me off and running in the sea of patience. Patience in others and patience in myself. When I fail Him, as I often do, “He is faithful and just to forgive.” My desire is to do His will and when I fall short it hurts so badly, but He is so loving and patient with me. Praise His Holy Name!!

My word is “GIVE”…though I can think of many words I should focus on. At first, I thought this was all about giving to our community, but I’m already learning that it’s also about giving myself more fully to my family & to God.

Thanks for giving us the opportunity to share, Bonnie.

(And like Lisa, I love the term white space!)
.-= Melissa @ Breath of Life´s last blog ..Living in the Word =-.

Bonnie-
I got your email for the Blog topic yesterday and the funny thing was that I had basically juse written about my own “word” or for me act of faith for the New Year.
It feels like it just fits along in with what you said.
Love these JAM SESSIONS lady!
Thanks for being an inspiration.
Leanna
.-= Leanna´s last blog ..New Years Resolute =-.

The word for me is trust: in the Lord, in my fellow man and I mean that literally. 2010 I was supposed to get married in Sept. The night before the wedding, this man whom I had been dating for 7 months (I had known of him for about 30 years before that), became a stranger. All 4 of my children and their families were at his home. They were playing the beanbag toss game and having a wonderful time. He went crazy calling them all kinds of names, they were noisy, they were disrespectful, and on and on. It was only 10:30. The Lord saved me at the last minute and I am so very grateful. He was NOT a Christian which I thought he was so Praise God I am saved. God bless and keep praying.

Christina, your story made my heart stop, sad for the loss, but happy God reached out and saved you from such a potential heartbreak with this guy. Thank you so much for your amazing story. And now, I know God will rebuild your TRUST, as He provides the healing. He is faithful.

Didn’t think I had time to comment or post this week, but your challenge inspired me and helped me find my word. Confidence in the Lord, yes! That Jeremiah seems to have a lot to say to me these days. Thanks, once again, for your kind invitation, Bonnie. Blessings.
.-= Nancy´s last blog ..Believe =-.

[…] Linked to the Faith Barista’s Faith Jam on the New Year. Click here to read more One Word post… Share and Enjoy: These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. […]

My word is not really a word, but a phrase. More of HIM and less of me. This phrase grabbed me last month as I prayed about writing and it’s permeated everything I’ve done lately.
.-= Rachel´s last blog ..Christmas Reflections- Reflection 4 Looking Ahead =-.

Care free trust and boldness. Love that. I’ve shared my word for the year on my blog. God has changed so much in me the past year and this year promises the same. Thanks for always sharing your heart and encouragement Bonnie!
.-= Amy Nabors´s last blog ..Eucharisteo =-.

I love how you say your pen is hovering over a new page of life. You are so awesome Bonnie. I love that you are just like me. I love that you are so honest and you reveal such raw emotions. I too experience those burnout times when my body wants to stop, when ministry feels stale, and I feel far away from God. It makes me feel good that I am not alone in those feelings.
Love Kelli
.-= Kelli´s last blog ..When God Girls Choose Sin =-.

I loved revisiting some of your stories, Bonnie. And I love your word…especially its root. My word for 2011 is hope…it’s related to your trust word–your confidence, as I am putting all my hope in HIM. Bless you in the coming year, friend.
.-= Laura´s last blog ..Sharing Christmas =-.

Oh, Laura! Now, I get to hunt for that hope word behind your posts this year. I know it will be a seed behind the words sprouting from your heart, and poured down through your blog. So happy you shared your one word here.

I’m with Lisa, I like your use of the word “whitespace.” I don’t do that nearly often enough, although I did take 8 days away from all technology over the holidays, and it was a lovely respite.

I really like the interpretation “care-free trust” — that gives me a whole new look at the word “confidence,” which in the past I’ve always associated with myself and my own abilities. I like your twist on things here, Bonnie — you are a deep thinker!

It’s so encouraging to hear white space pulls us all together and draws us in. I’ll be writing about this more soon. 😉 I love reading your verse for the year, Michelle. Keep pouring those fresh words of yours! I love sipping them.

P.S. Is it cheating that I didn’t pick a single word, but a verse this year instead? Actually, I haven’t done the single word before…I think I may have to make that my goal for next year!
.-= Michelle DeRusha´s last blog ..New Year Verse =-.

If you know Hebrews 11 (all) and put your trust totally in the lord, you can overcome anything, If you need a miracle JUST ASK through prayer, BUT ALWAYS BE EXPECTING IT. If you don`t pray Thanksgiving everyday, why would you even think GOD is listtenning to one prayer when your in Trouble. If you know the answer to the last sentence, You already have FAITH IN GOD.

The definition of “confidence” made me fall off my chair, when I discovered the root word. I was like, “That’s what I want!”. It’ll take time to thread itself into me, but I’m asking for the moon from my Abba Father! I can see you are too! Loved your word cultivate, Joy!

This is my first time writing here. I have peeked at your messages for a couple weeks now, and absolutely love them. It even inspired me to start a blog of my own. However, in MY blog, I have incorporated my graphic design business. My conversations with customers are probably more personal than the average business owner, but that is just who I am. I get inspiration from the “feel” I get from their soals. If I don’t connect, and they don’t connect with me, the good work doesn’t happen.
Your word, Confidence, is one I struggle with daily, and your message today really connected with me. Thank you. My word, I think, would be COURAGE. Courage goes along with confidence, but maybe takes it a bit further. I can have confidence, but do I have the Courage to show it? Not really. This is something I have to work on. God has been pointing me in directions I have not taken, and I need the Courage to take those paths. I have faith that He is with me as I go, and will shine light along the way, but there is still a bit of dark shadows that are very scary. Such as putting myself out here like this… but I am doing it!
Thank you for your inspiration, for your openness and healthy positive attitude. I plan on having coffee with you every time your messages come across my desk.

I think you showed a lot of courage by integrating the real you in your business. It takes faith to do something different, but greater faith to be someone different for Him. And I see that in how you express yourself in your business blog. You’re doing it and I’m so glad you shared this piece of your story here, Amy! So glad you decided to add your voice here, Amy! Yay!

Monica, I love that! Thank you for sharing that definition of confidence. My name, Elisabeth, means consecrated to God, but a couple years ago he gave me a new name: confidence. Only through him, I say, only his work in me will give me confidence. But yes, “with faith” is right on and I can live that out. God bless you for sharing.
.-= Beth Werner Lee´s last blog ..update 1-1-11 =-.

It’s so encouraging to read how God has carried you through so much crushing adversity. We are not abandoned indeed, even if circumstances can be so overwhelming. This post is a great example of how God is using you to ministry to so many. There is heartbreak indeed, but we do have hope. Thanks for calling attention to God’s faithfulness and encouraging us to depend on him.

I participated in the Abbey of the Arts’ “Give Me a Word” last year and did so again for 2011. My word (and others’ responses) are reflected in the Wordle I posted today. My word is “connections”.
.-= Maureen (Mo)´s last blog ..Ben Thomas and Leo Bridles Train of Thought =-.

I remember you shared the Abbey of Arts post last year 2010 and that’s inspired me. Thanks for letting me know about Wordle, Mo! Reflects the power of your word of the year, “Connections”. So blessed we have our connection.

Bonnie, sounds like we are on similar paths this year! I have felt that confidence leading up to and entering this year. God promises and word feel so alive and rich and strong. That’s why I want to move into being Fearless. Excited to see how God reveals Himself in all our lives. Thanks for the encouragement!
.-= jasonS´s last blog ..Fear Less or Fearless =-.

We are definitely on similar paths, Jason. Let’s step out and do this year Fearless, even if we feel fear. “Do. Not try.” With the Spirit’s force, of course! 😉 Totally loved your one word Fearless & the post that went with it.

Bonnie, I really like how you displayed that brokenness is often the result of sought after characteristics such is self-reliant. Wonderful story of hope and God’s redemptive work.
.-= Wanda´s last blog ..Headed Out- But… =-.

Hi Bonnie, thank you for hosting another jam session. I began writing my post last week and chuckled when I saw your words here today:
“Together, we can walk into the doing, as we grow into our becoming.”

Becoming is very much part of my new year journey.

I especially enjoyed reading the glimpse of why confidence, i.e., care-free trust, is your word for 2011. Looking forward to hearing more from you, as always.

Bonnie – you are a gift from God! I am so glad God pointed me to your blog! It encourages and inspires! I have come through a desert season in my life and your proclaiming God’s Word has been an oasis. I thank God for your gift of writing and look forward to sharing our faith journey together! Happy Blessed, Abundant and let us not forget “CONFIDENT” New Year!
Peace to you!
.-= CK´s last blog ..Preparation for CHRISTmas =-.

CK, how you’ve encouraged my soul, friend! My words an oasis… Thank you for dropping this GIFT in my heart and reflecting God’s voice of confidence. Do you have a one word for 2011? I’d love to cheer you on!

Bonnie – without a doubt my word is”CONFIDENCE”! When life throws you disease, fear, hardship, anxiety, loss, and doubt – God says, “You can do all things through Christ Who gives you strength!” Phil 4:13 I have a new blog coming called Chrysalis Gifts – because transformation is a a gift from God! Be blessed!

Confidence, not as the world gives. I can see it clearly here in your words. My two words are: Breathe and Simplify. I’m still awaiting a third word, but so far, no confirmation.
.-= Cheryl Smith´s last blog ..It’s Christmas Eve in Our House =-.

Cheryl, breathe and simply are a soul-filling match. I’m imagining a re-filling year of going deeper and feeling lighter. Please share more as your journey unfolds. Would love to share in your discoveries.

Bonnie, I can tell by the way that you talk about God that you have a wonderful relationship with Him. Your words don’t have any pretense behind them but rather come from the good kind of familiarity. I’m always impressed when I encounter those kinds of believers.

You’re 100% correct when you differentiate between what we do and who we’re becoming and I think that’s a bigger piece to consider when we start a new year and make our (honestly) ridiculous resolutions.

I want abs this year. Will it happen? I hope everyone that reads that laughs because it’s a gross cliche. Those mean next to nothing and are a great expression of my vanity. I want to be… this year though… that’s where it’s at.

I took you to meant you want “abs” and “be” to be your matching words of the year. On the abs, my advice is no curly fries for you! 🙂 As for Be? Gonna love where that takes you. Keep serving up your words, Jake. You’ve got a signature roast brewin’.

Your list of gains/losses, shocking revelations, fears, body and soul breakdown is so similar to mine. But, the beauty and freedom of what we gained by letting our loving Father take us through it all, is so worth it!

I celebrate your word with you. I celebrate the many words that support “Confidence” and for myself, “Refresh”.

Wow. That is exciting. Sitting right next to you, at our Lord’s feet, as we listen and learn “confidence” – care free trust and boldness. What will that look like Fr. Michael? Can’t wait to see. Thanks for taking time to pop in. Happy new year, friend!

I’ve been doing a “one word” for several years now…last year it was “jubilee” and I had no idea what that meant – so I did a whole study on it and saw how God made it fit — it was my “year of Jubilee” as I turned 50 that year – so the time leading up to it was my year of celebration!! It WAS a good year – an AMAZING year!! (and my post 50 time has been less than celebratory…sigh…just a season…)

This year, the word has been “intentional”. To do things with purpose. Not flying by the seat of my pants, but to plan things out and make them happen. It will take a new discipline in me to make this work, but I know HE can do it!! Everything from sending birthday cards “in time” or making phone calls when God prompts, I want to do it, and I feel that He has put some of these “turning 50 issues” in my path to slow me down, to give me space to be more “intentional” in the many ways He’s leading me.

Blessings of grace, peace and love to you all as we are led by Him into this new year, this new decade…
.-= marina bromley´s last blog ..Great is Thy Faithfulness =-.

Hi Bonnie, that word would be BALANCE. It’s key in my life and something that needs to be instituted. :=) Thanks for the opportunity to share. I know it’s too late to make the One Word for 2011 Soul Resolutions and maybe it’s already there … we just need to know to have it.
.-= Kissie´s last blog ..4 Blogging Tips from Ted Williams =-.

Yes, I do look for the worst and hope for the best. This year I am with you Bonnie on having this new kind of confidence. God has shown me such amazing things about myself this past year. But I’m still a work in progress. I’am so very excited to see what he holds for me this year. So for me faith and trust go with that confidence. This year I am going to have his confidence as I trust Him and walk out in faith. Thank you Bonnie for your insight it so encourages me.

I can honestly say I don’t expect the worse and hope for the best. I pray, pray, pray and try and listen to that sweet, small voice that will tell me what to do. I always hope for the best because we are God’s children and He wants the best always for us. God bless Love in the Lord

“Blessed is the man (woman) who trusts in the LORD,
whose confidence is in the Lord.” ~ Jeremiah 17:7

Thank you so much for your scripture on Confidence as well as how you came to your definition. Yes I agree our confidence has to be on our Lord and on who He is. Ah what a joy and privileged to trust in the Lord.

Some trust in chariots, and some in horses,
but we trust the name of Yahweh our God. ~Psalm20:7

The year 2011 had a rocky start for my family. Tragedy struck on week one. As I throw myself into the arms of Jesus, I realize that I never want to be anywhere else. In the cleft of the Rock is the only safe place. My word for 2011 is TRUST. Trust in the One who can shelter me in the storm. The storms will come…and keep coming…but Jesus holds us so that only what He allows can touch us.

Hi Bonnie! I am new to your blog and love how it feels here. The words that have been placed on my heart and keep rising are “Be Still.” They ground me and show me that God is completely able and willing. In this stillness I can let go of my own voice and listen for His, letting Him guide and teach me. It requires Trust which was my word last year and I’m still practicing :). It is amazing how these words work together!

I hope it is not too late to add my word, but it is FEARLESS! I have live in fear most of my 50 years…and I want this year to be the year that I put all my faith in the Lord to be fearless and lead the life I want to live and not the life someone else has wanted me to live.
.-= Patty Coleman´s last blog ..THE KNIGHTLY NEWS- Would YOU like to go to Egypt =-.

My word is HOPE. I have recently experienced the devastating loss of my 22 year-old son, Andrew, to suicide. I am clinging to Romans 15:13: “May the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace as you TRUST in Him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (NIV)

Thank you for reminding me what I learned/realized months ago, that 2010 was the end of the last decade…not the beginning of the new one.

2010 I asked God, persued God, to take from me (my body) ANYTHING that was not working for the kingdom; not producing good fruit. In June I was diagnosed with Congestive Heart Failure, an enlarged heart, “a touch” of heart disease (?) and Hypertension. WOW…my mind stopped and God began speaking; you can read ‘My Story’ on my blog if you so desire.

All of 2010 I desired wellness…then God sweetly whispered Wholeness to me…Wholeness. I would end 2010 one of the most important legs of this journey I am on…Wholeness!

Hi! I found this a bit late, but i’ll add that my word is “Hope”
Thanks for your words!
This is a great and encouraging blog, and I’m glad I found it!
.-= Merissa´s last blog ..greater things are yet to come =-.

I heard about this concept of “one word” on KLOVE and now here it is again. My one word for 2011 is fearless. That’s what I would like to be. 2010 was the worst year of my life and there are soooo many things to be fearfull about but I know that the opposite of fear is trust so I will trust in the Lord more this year and fear less.

The word that has been on my heart is “obedience” and it terrifies me. I am fearful of all that that word entails and what will be asked of me in the upcoming year. And yet, I know from past experience and from my faith, that God will always hold me in His hand and carry me even through the growing pains. Thank you for forcing me to face my one word and admit it outloud, so to speak.

I slept on it. When I woke just before dawn, the word “Balance” echoed softly in my thoughts. There it was. I know He whispered it to me . That simple. It makes perfect sense, and addresses so many aspects of everyday life. My life.

Thank you Bonnie, for your inspiration, which I just discovered a day ago, through (in)courage. I will visit often

My one word is Speak Up. Okay, two words technically.
Cause I’m afraid to.
Cause I might be heard wrong. Might sound pharasaical or hypocritical.
Cause I am uncertain if I see things right…or am judging wrong.
But I started.
I asked for help for my kid who can’t spell, more than that she has perhaps what you’d call anxiety attacks about spelling…and so I asked for help. Then after the last attack I told her it’s not so much that I want her to be good at spelling as that I want to get her over the “I can’t do it” hump to where she can say, “I can do it, it’s just hard.” So far the request for help has been heard and the process of getting help (from the local public school no less) has been good. Hope.
I’m still quite a bit scared.
But glad to be here.
.-= Beth Werner Lee´s last blog ..update 1-17-11 =-.

Bonnie…i joined really late…but you still had it open…my one word is HOME…in a year where our physical space of home is extremely unstable and we transition to move overseas…it’s the true HOME I’m clinging to…thanks for this!

Fulcrum. That God must be my fulcrum, my support, what balances me and yet holds me firm to him. It was something that my boys learned about this year in our homeschool and it reappeared as I was finishing “HAVING A MARY SPIRIT IN A MARTHA WORLD.” How often do you read a book that has the work “fulcrum” in it. It just stood out to me. Praying for FULCRUM when my days and may faith seem lopsided. Thanks for your posts. They are inspiring. 🙂

A while back, you wrote about the word confidence being “the underpinning word”.
I so like that expression. I felt I needed such an underpinning for my word. So I have two: “See” and “Confidence”.
A few months ago, I found myself once again frustrated because I had misplaced something. So I began to pray, “Lord, help me to see what I cannot see.” I pray it often now for there are many things in life I cannot see. This is my year to See and my confidence is in the Lord to open my eyes and give me the direction that I need.

Bonnie,
I am just stopping in to share my One Word for 2011. It is a borrowed word from Christy of Critty Joy–FREEDOM. More of a composite really . . . hope/freedom. I may post soon but, just in case I do not get a chance to include it, I wanted to let you know here.

This is such a wonderful idea. It is my hope–my prayer–to find true freedom and peace in Him.

**Also, I left a comment regarding your recipe for fried rice. I would love for you to forward it to my email.

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Bonnie Gray

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"“If the Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure hidden in a field, Whispers of Rest is a map to that peace uninhibited.”
- RELEVANT Magazine
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